The UN refugee agency is deeply concerned about rising violence in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, with over 400,000 people displaced due to ongoing conflict. Humanitarian conditions are dire, with significant risks of human rights violations affecting civilians. The UN human rights office warns that potential attacks on Goma could have catastrophic impacts, urging immediate humanitarian access and peaceful resolution of the conflict.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has expressed serious concern regarding the escalating violence in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), which threatens the safety of civilians and internally displaced persons (IDPs). According to UNHCR spokesperson Matthew Saltmarsh, the number of displaced individuals has reached over 400,000 in 2023, significantly more than the previous week, as fierce clashes continue between opposing forces in the South and North Kivu provinces.
Saltmarsh emphasized that the detrimental situation has led to increased human rights violations, including looting, kidnappings, and arbitrary arrests of displaced individuals identified mistakenly as rebels. Hospitals are struggling with overwhelming numbers of injured civilians, while many vulnerable populations, including women, children, and the elderly, face dire living conditions without adequate access to essential needs like food, water, and healthcare services.
The agency calls on involved parties to allow immediate and unrestricted humanitarian access to those in need. Saltmarsh stated, “It is vital, and long overdue, for peace to take root in the Democratic Republic of the Congo for the benefit of its people and the region.”
Additionally, the UN human rights office has raised alarms over the potential for an attack by the M23 armed group on Goma, North Kivu’s capital. Spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani warned that such aggression could have catastrophic consequences for hundreds of thousands of civilians, increasing their risk of human rights abuses.
Volker Turk, the human rights chief, urged all conflict parties to de-escalate tensions and fulfill their obligations under international law to protect civilians. Efforts to mediate the crisis, including Türkiye’s willingness to assist, are welcomed, according to UN spokesperson Alessandra Vellucci, who highlighted the importance of continued commitment from all parties in the peace process.
The Democratic Republic of Congo has faced ongoing conflict for many years, resulting in millions of internally displaced persons and widespread human rights violations. The eastern regions, particularly South and North Kivu, have experienced intensified violence recently, leading to a surge in the number of displaced individuals and further exacerbating humanitarian crises. The UN and other international bodies continuously strive to address the urgent needs for peace, security, and humanitarian aid in this region.
The worsening violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo has sparked significant alarm from the UN refugee agency and the human rights office, highlighting the grave risks faced by civilians due to escalating conflict. The call for peaceful resolution and humanitarian assistance is urgent, as thousands of vulnerable individuals continue to suffer amid deteriorating conditions. The international community’s engagement and commitment to mediation efforts remain critical in restoring stability and protecting the rights and safety of affected populations.
Original Source: www.aa.com.tr
